Johns Creek Businesses Ready for PGA Crowds

"Bring it on," says Riana Vafadari, owner of Sinbad's Feast as she was busy prepping her restaurant for the crowds next week's PGA Championship are expected to bring to the area. 

With an expected crowd of 40,000 and a $45 million influx expected in the area, Johns Creek businesses are hopeful to reap some financial rewards.

"I think [the PGA Championship] will really help put Johns Creek on the map for a lot of people. It's a point of pride," said Alan Wyatt, president of the Johns Creek Business Association and owner of Luxe Home Interiors on Medlock Bridge Road. "From a business standpoint, local businesses are really excited. This will have a positive economic impact on immediate service providers."

Many restaurant owners on the Medlock Bridge corridor are preparing for capacity crowds by having all shifts fully staffed and expanding hours.

Vafadari says Sinbad's Feast will remain open past normal business hours. "We'll have a full staff on every shift. We're expecting something quite spectacular."

Lesley Pierini, owner of Egg Harbor Cafe on Medlock Bridge, says her restaurant, located just a few miles north of the Atlanta Athletic Club and just a few miles south of the hotels that many visitors are staying at, is also going to have more staff on hand to accommodate the crowds.

"We are definitely hoping for an increase in customers," she said. The restaurant is also giving golf names to its daily specials, such as Bridgestone Burger and Pebblebeach Pancakes.

"We're expecting a huge return," echoed Kevin Buckley, managing partner of Stoney River. He said the restaurant has arranged extended hours and expanded staffs as well as rented extra chairs and outside tents. "We're just excited for this unique opportunity. It's great for us for sales potential and from a branding standpoint. A lot of people will be coming into Johns Creek from the first time, even from Atlanta."

Edwin Watts Golf on Medlock Bridge is getting in on the action, too. "How many cities can say they've hosted a major?" said Rick Coursey. 

The golf supply shop is running a promotion in conjunction with championship week featuring contests, clinics and fittings. 

The shop will also have a full staff on deck every day putting in extra hours. "Hopefully we'll see some new faces," Coursey said.